Buddha's hand known for its zest

A sure sign of winter in Ventura County is Lucy Vanoni's citron — the Buddha's hand variety, which starts showing up at her booth at the Ventura Pacific View mall farmers market.

A Buddha's hand citron from Lucy Vanoni at the Pacific View mall is a unique-looking fruit. Among Asians who use the fruit for decorative purposes, the preferred "hand" is closed, which is a sign of prayer. This fruit's "hand" is entirely open.

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Fresh fish is available from Arjin II from Port Hueneme at the Pacific View mall, which also sells organic, farm-raised salmon.

Special to The Star

Manzano chiles are a spicy addition to salsas, according to Manuel Marquez, who was selling them for Rancho Santa Cecilia of Carpinteria at the Pacific View mall farmers market.